The head of Afghan Press, the media branch of the Shia organisation, told the BBC that so far dozens of bodies had been carried from the building and officials had reported dozens more being brought to hospitals.

The Taliban issued a statement denying any involvement. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

In recent months, so-called Islamic State has been carrying out attacks on Shia targets across the country.

A number of students were reportedly attending a discussion forum with media group members at the offices at the time.

In October, at least 39 people were killed in an attack on a mosque belonging to the Shia minority.

Ten people were also killed in a suicide bomb attack near the compound of Afghanistan’s intelligence agency in Kabul on Monday.